Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
You walked into a place that should have been safe, a hotel, apartment complex, shopping plaza, or gas station. But it wasn’t. Maybe the lighting was poor. Maybe there were no security cameras. Maybe there should’ve been a guard. And now, after becoming the victim of a violent crime, you’re left with medical expenses, emotional distress, and a mountain of unanswered questions.
If this happened on someone else’s property, Florida law may allow you to file a negligent security claim. Property owners have a legal duty to provide adequate security. When they fail, and you’re hurt because of it, you may be entitled to compensation.
What negligent security means under Florida law
Negligent security cases fall under a category called premises liability. These claims focus on what the property owner did — or didn’t do — to protect people lawfully on their land. If a business or property owner knew about a risk of crime and failed to take appropriate security measures, they may be held legally responsible.
This isn’t about blaming someone for criminal activity they didn’t commit. It’s about holding property owners accountable when they ignore clear signs of danger. If a security attorney can prove the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, you may have a strong legal claim.
Common examples of negligent security incidents include attacks in parking lots with no lighting, robberies in apartment buildings without working security cameras, or assaults in hotels that lacked security personnel despite previous violent crime in the area.
Where negligent security incidents happen in Sebring
We’ve seen clients injured in places like:
- Apartment complexes near Memorial Drive with broken gates
- Retail centers on US-27 with no cameras or visible security presence
- Hotels and motels that ignore repeated reports of trespassing or prior criminal activity
- Gas stations open late at night with no working lights or staff nearby
These aren’t isolated events. Many negligent security victims were just going about their day — running errands, heading home, or staying overnight. What they didn’t know was that the property owner had a history of security failures, or ignored known risks, or simply never put proper security measures in place.
Why negligent security claims are difficult to pursue without help
These cases aren’t just about proving you were hurt. You’ll also need to prove that the property owner owed a legal duty, failed to meet that duty, and that the crime could have been prevented with adequate security measures.
That means collecting evidence like security footage (if it exists), police reports, prior incident records, and expert testimony. It also means dealing with insurance companies that often blame the victim or claim the crime was unavoidable.
An experienced negligent security attorney knows how to document these failures, connect the security negligence to your injuries, and build a strong case for fair compensation. Without legal guidance, many victims walk away with nothing — even after suffering severe injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one.
The legal team at López & Humphries, PA is here to help
If you were attacked, assaulted, or harmed on someone else’s property, you don’t have to carry this alone. The law firm of López & Humphries, PA helps negligent security victims throughout Central Florida hold property owners accountable. Our legal team knows how to investigate, gather evidence, and fight insurance companies that deny responsibility. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Sebring negligent security claim lawyer who puts your safety and recovery first.
Frequently asked questions about negligent security claims in Sebring
What qualifies as negligent security?
Negligent security refers to cases where a property owner failed to take appropriate safety steps — like hiring guards, installing cameras, or fixing broken locks — and that failure led to someone getting hurt during a criminal act.
How do I know if I have a negligent security case?
If you were injured on someone else’s property and believe that better security could have prevented the incident, you may have a claim. A lawyer can help determine whether the property owner can be held liable.
What compensation can I receive in a negligent security lawsuit?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the property owner's negligence was especially reckless.
Is there a time limit to file a negligent security claim in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for negligent security claims is generally two years. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering anything.
What kind of evidence is used in these cases?
Evidence may include police reports, medical records, footage from security cameras, witness statements, and proof of prior criminal activity on the property. Your attorney will help you gather everything needed.
